I open the news and feel like I'm being told Hogwarts is real after all

A software engineer, who has followed AI for over six years, describes feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements, especially this summer. They note the pervasive discussion of AI's existential risks, even among their 80-year-old grandmother. While acknowledging the potential for corporate hype, the engineer admits that recent AI developments have far exceeded expectations, delivering capabilities like human-like conversation and creation, leading to a mix of terror and wonder.

Unlike typical industry hype, this engineer's account highlights the tangible, delivered capabilities of AI that exceed expectations, moving beyond mere corporate promises.